Transmigrated: I Became My Nemesis's Woman novel Chapter 175

Chapter 175: Stop using people as bargaining chips

As soon as she sent the text message, Florine slipped her phone back into her purse with a satisfied smile.

She stepped out of her car and walked toward the school entrance just as the afternoon dismissal bell rang.

A stream of students poured through the gates.

Among them was Leo.

The moment she spotted him, Florine adjusted her expression into one of warm friendliness and approached him.

"So, you must be Leo."

The boy stopped mid-step and looked at the unfamiliar woman standing in front of him.

His driver, who had been waiting nearby, instinctively moved a little closer.

Florine offered a practiced smile.

"Hello, Leo. My name is Florine." She paused deliberately before adding, "I’m Ivy’s mother."

The driver’s brows twitched in surprise, and he glanced at Leo to gauge his reaction.

Leo simply blinked.

He studied Florine from head to toe without saying a word.

After a few seconds, he replied politely, "I’m sorry, but I don’t know who you are."

The smile on Florine’s face stiffened.

Inside, irritation flared.

What kind of child says that to an elder?

Still, she maintained her pleasant expression.

"That’s understandable. We haven’t met before. Your mother and I have had our differences, but family is family."

Leo remained unconvinced.

"My mom never mentioned you."

Florine laughed softly.

"Oh, adults keep secrets from children all the time."

Leo tilted his head.

"My mom doesn’t."

For a moment, Florine didn’t know how to respond.

She quickly changed tactics.

"Why don’t we get some ice cream together? You can ask me anything you want."

Leo took a small step backward.

"Thank you, but my dad says I shouldn’t go anywhere with strangers."

"I’m not a stranger."

"You are to me."

The nearby driver struggled to hide a smile.

Florine noticed and shot him a brief glare before turning back to Leo.

"What if I showed you old family photos later?"

Leo thought about it for a second.

"I can ask my mom when I get home."

"You don’t have to wait. I can tell you everything now."

Leo shook his head with surprising firmness.

"My mom says I should always check with her first."

Florine’s patience was beginning to wear thin.

She crouched to meet his eye level and softened her voice.

"I’m only trying to be nice."

Leo smiled politely.

"And I’m trying to be careful."

For several seconds, neither of them spoke.

Then, from across the driveway, a familiar voice called out.

"Leo."

The boy’s face lit up instantly.

He looked past Florine and waved.

"Mom!"

Florine turned.

Ivy was striding toward them with calm, measured steps, but the coldness in her eyes made it clear she had already assessed the situation.

Without hesitation, Leo walked around Florine and went straight to Ivy’s side.

She rested a protective hand on his shoulder before meeting Florine’s gaze.

"What are you doing here?" Ivy asked evenly.

Florine rose to her feet and forced another smile.

"I was only introducing myself."

Ivy glanced down at Leo.

"Did she make you uncomfortable?"

Leo nodded honestly.

"A little. She kept saying she knew you and wanted me to go with her."

Ivy’s expression didn’t change, but the air around her seemed to turn noticeably colder.

She drew Leo a little closer.

"He made the right choice," she said. "He knows not to leave with anyone he doesn’t know."

Then, looking directly at Florine, she added in a calm but unmistakably firm tone,

"And I suggest you stop approaching my son without my permission."

The smile on Florine’s face finally disappeared.

Ivy held Florine’s gaze for a few seconds before looking down at Leo.

"Leo, could you wait for me in the car?" she said gently. "I need to speak with her for a moment."

Leo looked from Ivy to Florine and then back again. Sensing the seriousness in his mother’s voice, he nodded obediently.

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